Habanero Cider (Finnriver Farm & Cidery)

Finnriver’s Habanero Cider is more like pepper spray than
hot sauce. That is to say, the danger of pain comes from inhaling, not
drinking. Finnriver Cidery, which sits on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula
and uses its home state’s apples exclusively, made this unique chili
cider during a winter slow stretch. It’s a true oddity: While there are
at least a dozen chili beers made in Oregon alone, there are precious
few chili ciders in the world. I don’t know if there’s a chemistry-based
reason for that, but Finnriver’s version disappointed. Pour hard and
sniff deeply, and fluids will flow from all your facial reserves. Sip
slowly, and it’s more sweet than spice. For some reason, they added cane
sugar to this Pilsner-colored, mild and slightly rosy beverage. It
doesn’t satisfy like better chili beers, but it’s a good conversation
starter. Not recommended.